Lapierre appointed Alpine Sporting Director as Gounon retains race seat for Bahrain
Following his announcement that he is bringing down the curtain on his racing career, Nicolas Lapierre has been confirmed as Alpine Endurance Team’s new Sporting Director, with countryman Jules Gounon set to take his place in the cockpit in Bahrain.
Two-time WEC champion Lapierre concluded his glittering endurance racing career with a podium finish in the headlining Hypercar category in Japan’s 6 Hours of Fuji last month – the first for Alpine Endurance Team’s A424 prototype.
The Frenchman hinted earlier this week that far from leaving the sport altogether, he would be spending more time ‘on the other side of the pit wall’ moving forward. He will officially take up the newly-created role on 1 January, 2025, but will use the forthcoming Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain (31 October – 2 November) to begin getting himself up-to-speed.
“Alpine has always shown a tremendous amount of confidence in me, not least by giving me the chance to develop the A424 and then start this first season behind the wheel,” reflected Lapierre, who turned 40 earlier this year. “After expressing the wish to end my career as a professional driver, I am delighted to confirm that I am continuing the adventure with the team, but this time on the other side of the pit wall.
“I’ll try to bring all my experience to our drivers and be the link with our technical teams. Endurance racing is on a great trajectory, and I believe in the Alpine project. We must continue our relentless efforts to reach the next levels together.”
Lapierre’s new responsibilty will see him draw upon his extensive knowledge and expertise to support Team Principal Philippe Sinault, strengthening the French outfit’s management in a bid to enhance the overall performance of the drivers and team. Sinault is confident his countryman will prove to be a valuable asset in the role.
“I am thrilled that Nicolas has been appointed Sporting Director of Alpine Endurance Team,” he acknowledged. “We have been discussing this prospect together for several months now. Apart from our mutual desire, it represents a logical and natural continuation of the prosperous collaboration we have shared over the last few years, particularly under the Alpine colours.
“We’ve grown up together and won many races and several titles. We know each other exceptionally well, and there is mutual trust. I want to thank Nicolas for accepting, and I’m looking forward to seeing him contribute to the team’s development in his new role.”
“Right from the outset of the A424 programme, Nicolas has been one of the key actors,” echoed Bruno Famin, Vice-President of Alpine Motorsports. “He was the first to drive the car and played a big part in its development. The podium finish at Fuji was a magnificent reward for the work the whole team has done.
“Nicolas is a member of the Alpine family. In addition to his proven qualities as a driver and human being, he has gained a wealth of experience outside the car in recent years. Together with Philippe, it was clear to us that Nicolas could naturally bring a great deal to the team through his Sporting Director role, and we are genuinely delighted that he has accepted. He will provide a significant contribution to the team, which will be able to take another step forward.”
